Tennessee expects DeSean Bishop to be ready for Saturday’s SEC opener against Texas.
Bishop was pulled from Tennessee’s win over Kennesaw State, creating some uncertainty about the running back’s status entering the Vols’ first conference game.
Josh Heupel provided a positive update Monday.
When asked if Tennessee could manage Bishop’s workload in practice this week to ensure he is available against Texas, Heupel was direct.
“We’ll make sure he’s fully ready to go on Saturday,” Heupel said.
Bishop’s availability will be important as Tennessee prepares for its toughest defensive test of the season.
Heupel said Texas presents the best defensive front the Vols have faced through four weeks. He pointed to the Longhorns’ length and strength inside, along with their ability to play with physicality at the point of attack.
Texas has also been effective at preventing explosive runs.
“Their front, the ability to apply pressure,” Heupel said when asked what has allowed the Longhorns to limit explosive plays. “There haven’t been a lot of runs that have popped up.”
Heupel credited Texas’ gap integrity and physicality, along with how all three levels of the defense work together.
That will challenge a Tennessee rushing attack that has been productive through the opening stretch of the season.
The Vols entered the week with roughly 900 rushing yards, but Heupel said the level of competition along the line of scrimmage changes as Tennessee enters SEC play.
Bishop has been at the center of that rushing attack, making his expected availability significant as the Vols prepare for Texas.
Tennessee and Texas kick off at noon Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
